Colts LB draws parallels between Anthony Richardson and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Anthony Richardson is among the most promising quarterback prospects right now. His monstrous dual-threat ability is something that the Indianapolis Colts have seldom not seen in their many years of existence.
And according to linebacker EJ Speed, it reminds him of reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.
"It's like playing an elite quarterback every week, but you're doing it in practice," he said on Up & Adams on Wednesday. "Like it's different type of elites when you play quarterback, sometimes we play pocket passes, you have more of an easy game and you're hanging your hooks and all type of stuff."
"But Lamar I mean, kinda like Lamar, but Anthony - he stretches the field even in practice."
Anthony Richardson explains why NFL is easier than college
So far, Anthony Richardson's pro career has lasted just four games. He sprained his shoulder against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 last season. That injury was initially expected to sideline him for a month or two.
Unfortunately, his injury turned out to be a season-ending surgery. But he enjoyed his so-far brief time as a pro. He thinks it is easier than college.
Richardson told former NBA star Jeff Teague's Club 520 podcast why:
"In college, you got players, like, they good, and they know they good but they're not as confident. They gotta rely on other players do to this -- for them to do that.
"In the league, everybody tryna work to stay in the league. Tryna keep their job. That just lets me know, I ain't gotta do too much. I'm gonna do my job and he gotta do his job. It's gonna work."
In that same interview, he also shared his thoughts on leading players older than him:
"You got people in here with four kids, a wife, and they’ve been in the league for 11 years. It felt strange to tell a grown man what to do if he wasn’t doing it the right way."
But ultimately, he learned to appreciate his role:
“I know my position; I know everybody is going to have eyes on me, and they want to listen to me.”
Richardson is expected to return to the field against fellow 2023 alum CJ Stroud and divisional rival Houston Texans on September 8.